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Richard Blanco's inaugural poem, One Today, may have addressed the whole nation, but the details were full of South Florida. Blanco is the son of Cuban exiles. He was born in Spain and came to Miami as a small child. He trained to be a civil engineer but a class at Florida International University later launched his poetry career. His poetry draws on images of a childhood spent in a tight-knit South Florida Cuban community.

In D.C. and Delray, 'Poetry' Is The Word On The Street

Palm Beach Poetry Festival

From the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to Old School Square in Delray Beach, poetry class is in session.

Today, 44-year-old Richard Blanco, the Miami-raised son of Cuban immigrants, becomes the fifth poet ever to take part in a President's inaugural ceremony.  Blanco is scheduled to read an original poem after President Obama is sworn in for his second term.

Meanwhile, poetry fans are converging upon Delray Beach for the 9th Annual Palm Beach County Poetry Festival, which runs through Saturday.

The festival will include readings and workshops led by nine renowned poets, including former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins and Pulitzer-prize winner Tracy K. Smith.

The 9th Annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival
When: Monday through Saturday Jan. 21-26
Where: Crest Theatre at Delray Center for the Arts, Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.
Evening readings and performances, afternoon talks and panel discussions are open to the public. Individual event ticket prices are $15 General Admission, $12 for seniors, $10 for students.

More info at: palmbeachpoetryfestival.org.

Christine DiMattei is WLRN's Morning Edition anchor and also reports on Arts & Culture.
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